Small form factor desk top computer

ABSTRACT

An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a Continuation application and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,963, filed Sep. 29,2010, entitled “SMALL FORM FACTOR DESK TOP COMPUTER,” by Goh et al. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/893,963 claims priority under 35 U.S.C.119(e) to each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,138,filed Jun. 15, 2010, entitled “SMALL FORM FACTOR DESKTOP COMPUTER;” U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,144, filed Jun. 16, 2010,entitled “ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS IN A SMALL FORM FACTOR DESKTOPCOMPUTER;” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,145, filedJun. 16, 2010, entitled “COOLING ARRANGEMENT FOR SMALL FORM FACTORDESKTOP COMPUTER;” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/355,150, filed Jun. 16, 2010, entitled “MANUFACTURING FIXTURES FORSMALL FORM FACTOR DESKTOP COMPUTER,” each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Described Embodiments

The described embodiments relate generally to small form factor desktopcomputing devices. More particularly, enclosures of small form factordesktop computing devices and methods of assembling same are described.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, small form factor desktop computers have beendeveloped. These small form factor desktop computers provide basiccomputing services such as those provided by a central processing unit,or CPU, without the traditional I/O devices such as a keyboard andmonitor usually associated with a standard desktop computer. Byproviding basic computer services, the small form factor desktopcomputer is affordable and can be easily customized for applicationsthat would be unsuitable or at best difficult for the standard desktopcomputer. For example, the small form factor desktop computer can beeasily placed on a shelf or in a cabinet and configured to operate as amedia control center. In contrast to the small form factor desktopcomputer, in order to use the standard desktop computer as the mediacontrol center, a sturdy shelf or large cabinet must be used. Moreover,most people would not appreciate a standard desktop computer in plainview and would most likely opt to hide the unit. In this way, the smallform factor desktop computer lends itself to applications that wouldotherwise be unsuitable for a standard desktop computer.

The reduction in size compared to standard desktop computers and theease of use provide two reasons for the growing popularity of small formfactor desktop computers. Factors that contribute to the reduction insize and ease of use can be attributed to the manufacturer's ability tofabricate various operational components in smaller and smaller sizeswhile increasing their power and/or operating speed. However, this trendof smaller, lighter and more powerful computers presents a continuingdesign challenge. One design challenge associated with the small formfactor desktop computer is the design of the enclosure used to house thevarious internal components. This design challenge arises from a numberconflicting design goals that includes the desirability of making theenclosure lighter and yet rugged and strong in addition to beingaesthetically pleasing. Conventional approaches to making computerenclosures lighter rely upon the extensive use of plastic. Although theconventional plastic design is generally lighter, enclosures formedentirely of plastic tend to be more flexible and therefore less rugged.Therefore, in order to strengthen the housing and form a more rigid andrugged structure, thicker plastics are generally used. However, eventhough the increase in thickness is consistent with a stronger and morerugged enclosure, the thicker plastic adds weight and bulkiness that canlead to user dissatisfaction.

Computer enclosures are generally mechanical assemblies having multipleparts that are screwed, bolted, riveted, or otherwise fastened togetherat discrete points that can result in cracks, seams, gaps or breaks atthe mating surfaces and fasteners located along the surfaces of thehousing. For example, a mating line surrounding the entire enclosure isproduced when using an upper and lower casing. Moreover, the variouscomponents and complicated processes used to manufacture the computercan make assembly a time consuming and cumbersome process requiring, forexample, a highly trained assembly operator working with special tools.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved component densityand associated assembly techniques that reduce cost and improve outgoingquality. In addition, there is a need for improvements in the manner inwhich small form factor desktop computers are assembled such asimprovements that enable structures to be quickly and easily installedwithin the enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

A small form factor desktop computer is disclosed. The small form factordesktop computer includes at least a single piece housing having abottom opening arranged to provide access to internal operationalcomponents, a first opening arranged to accommodate a plurality of I/Ointerfaces and a second opening in the form of a slot suitable forreceiving an optical disk such as a DVD. The single piece housing alsoincludes an integral top portion, side walls and a bottom portion thatcooperate to form a cavity in cooperation with the first opening, thebottom opening, and the slot opening. In the described embodiment, thetop portion has a substantially flat surface and curved edges to meetthe side walls having rectilinear edges arranged such that they form aflat side surface. An interior surface of the top portion includes aplurality of etched ground points suitable for connecting electricalcomponents to a chassis ground. The small form factor desktop computeralso includes a removable support piece disposed within the bottomopening that when removed provides access to at least some operationalcomponents enclosed within the single piece housing.

A method for assembling a small form factor computer by receiving asingle piece metal housing that provides a ground plane in the form of achassis ground, inserting a first operational component into an openingin the single piece metal housing, placing the first operationalcomponent in proximity to a first attachment feature connected directlyto the single piece housing, securing the first component to the firstattachment feature, inserting a second component into the opening afterthe first component is secured and using the first component to alignand secure the second component to the housing. In the describedembodiment, the first component and the second component areelectrically connected to the chassis ground by way of the firstattachment feature. Moreover, the first and second components arecooperatively sized and shaped to form a compact integrated componentassembly within the housing.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for storing computer codeexecutable by a processor for controlling an automated assemblyoperation includes at least computer code for receiving a single piecemetal housing of metal, wherein the single piece metal housing providesa ground plane in the form of a chassis ground, computer code forinserting a first operational component into an opening in the singlepiece metal housing, computer code for placing the first operationalcomponent in proximity to a first attachment feature, the attachmentfeature connected directly to the single piece housing, computer codefor securing the first component to the attachment feature, computercode for inserting a second component into the opening, computer codefor using the first component to align and secure the second componentto the housing, and computer code for using the first component tosecure the second component to the housing, wherein the first componentand the second component are electrically connected to the chassisground by way of the first attachment feature, wherein the first andsecond components are cooperatively sized and shaped to form a compactintegrated component assembly within the housing.

A small form factor desktop computer includes at least a single piecehousing, the single piece housing formed of metal to provide a chassisground to operational components enclosed within the single piecehousing, the single piece housing having a plurality of openings atleast one of which is located at a bottom portion of the single piecehousing, the bottom opening arranged to provide access to an internalvolume of single piece housing and a plurality of functionalsub-assemblies each arranged to provide a specific operational functionfor the small form factor desktop computer, wherein the plurality offunctional sub-assemblies are each cooperatively sized and shaped suchthat the plurality of functional sub-assemblies form a compactintegrated component assembly within the single piece housing.

Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the describedembodiments will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Itis target that all such additional apparatuses, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description be within the scope ofand protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a small form the factor desktopcomputer in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of computer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of a small form factor computer system shownin FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4A-4D show bottom view of FIG. 3 where a foot has been removed toexposed internal components.

FIG. 5 shows an interior view of the foot shown in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6-13 show additional embodiments of a foot.

FIG. 14 shows a representative cut away view of a portion of a housingillustrating representative anchor notches and alignment notch machineddirectly into the housing.

FIG. 15 shows representative interior view of a cavity (also referred toas lumen) of a housing used to enclose various internal components of acomputer.

FIG. 16 shows a more detailed view of the bezel shown in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17-19 show representative mounting features in accordance with thedescribed embodiments.

FIGS. 20-21 show representative optical disc drive (ODD) in accordancewith the described embodiments.

FIG. 22 shows hard disc drive (HDD) inserted into and mounted within thehousing such that HDD is acoustically isolated from the ODD.

FIG. 23-24 show representative AC power supply and technique forassembling into the housing in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 25 shows a technique for inserting and installing a main logicboard (MLB) in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 26 shows representative stacking connector in accordance with thedescribed embodiments.

FIG. 27 shows a coaxial cable routing system in accordance with thedescribed embodiments.

FIG. 28 shows a surface mounted ground clip in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 29A-29B show a main circuit board extraction tool in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 shows a flowchart detailing a forming a computer housing inaccordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 31 shows a flowchart detailing a process for extraction of acircuit board in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of an illustrative computing device inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

In the following paper, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the concepts underlying thedescribed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled inthe art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some orall of these specific details. In other instances, well known processsteps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the underlying concepts.

This paper discusses an aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktopcomputer such as the Mac Mini™ manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino,Calif. that can be placed in many locations otherwise unsuitable forstandard sized desktop computers. It should be noted that the term“desktop” should not be construed as limiting the location at which thecomputing device can be used since the computing device can be placed ona desk, shelf, and bookcase and so on.

Due in part to the simplicity of design, fewer components and less timeand effort are required to assemble the small form factor desktopcomputer. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of asingle piece seamless housing (also referred to as a unibody housing)that can be machined from a single billet of metal such as aluminum. Dueto the metallic nature as well as the lack of seams, leakage ofelectromagnetic radiation (EM) can be eliminated thereby helping toprevent RF leakage to the external environment as well as shielding RFsensitive internal components.

The single piece seamless housing can have a bottom portion with asupport structure (hereinafter referred to as a foot) that facilitatesthe placement of the small form factor desktop computer. The foot can beformed of slip resistant material that is resilient and yet poses aninsubstantial risk of scratching or otherwise damaging any surface uponwhich the small form factor desktop computer is placed. The foot canalso be used as a mechanism that provides easy access to nearby internalcomponents. In this regard, the foot can be configured for easy removalwithout the need for special tools other than a simple screwdriver (oreven a coin) or a user's hand.

At least a portion of the foot can include RF transparent material thatallows the unimpeded passage of RF energy in the support of a wirelesstransmission. In some cases, the foot can also be formed to includeconductive materials that can provide an effective electromagnetic (EM)shield. In this way, RF sensitive circuits within the small form factordesktop computer can be protected from spurious RF signals emanatingfrom the external environment. In addition, the RF shieldingcapabilities, the foot can also reduce electromagnetic interference(EMI) caused by the close proximity of the small form factor desktopcomputer to EM sensitive circuits, such as audio processors/receivers,etc.

The single piece seamless housing can be formed from metal, the metalcan take the form of a single billet of aluminum. The single billet ofaluminum can be formed into a shape appropriate for housing variousinternal components as well as providing various openings into whichswitches, connectors and so on can be accommodated. The single pieceseamless housing can be machined into a desired shape. One of theadvantages to using metal for the housing is ability of metal to providegood electrical grounding for any internal components requiring a goodground plane. For example, performance of a built in RF antenna can besubstantially improved when a good ground plane is provided. Moreover, agood ground plane can be used to help mitigate the deleterious effectscaused by, for example, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/orelectrostatic discharge (ESD).

It should be noted that throughout the following discussion, the term“CNC” is used. The abbreviation CNC stands for computer numericalcontrol and refers specifically to a computer controller that readscomputer instructions and drives a machine tool (a powered mechanicaldevice typically used to fabricate components by the selective removalof material). It should be noted however, that any appropriate machiningoperation can be used to implement the described embodiments and is notstrictly limited to those practices associated with CNC.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-32. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a small form factor desktopcomputer in accordance with the described embodiments. Morespecifically, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the small form factordesktop computer in the form of computer 100 that can process data andmore particularly media data such as audio, video, images, etc. By wayof example, computer 100 can generally correspond to a device that canperform as a music player, game player, video player, media centerand/or the like. Computer 100 can be easily placed in a convenientlocation such as a desktop, shelf or small cabinet due to both the smallfootprint and light weight of computer 100.

Computer 100 can include single piece seamless housing 102 formed ofmetal such as aluminum. The aluminum can take the form of a singlebillet that can be milled and further processed into a desired shape. Insome embodiments, aluminum housing 102 can be anodized to provide aprotective surface layer that resists scratches and corrosionmaintaining an attractive metallic appearance. Housing 102 can have asubstantially flat top 104 and flat side walls 106 that curve to meetfront wall 108. Portions of housing 102 can be removed by a machiningprocess such as that provided by systems that utilize computer numericalcontrol, or CNC, to form well defined openings with tight mechanicaltolerances. For example, slot 110 can be formed in front wall 108 havinga size and shape in accordance with an optical disc along the lines of aCD or DVD whereas other openings can be used during assembly for placinginternal components.

Housing 102 can enclose and support internally various structural andelectrical components (including integrated circuit chips and othercircuitry) to provide computing operations for computer 100. Theintegrated circuits can take the form of chips, chip sets, modules anyof which can be surface mounted to a printed circuit board, or PCB, orother support structure. For example, a main logic board (MLB) can haveintegrated circuits mounted thereon that can include at least amicroprocessor, semi-conductor (such as FLASH) memory, various supportcircuits and so on. An optical disc drive (ODD) in cooperation with slot110 can be used to read and or write optical media such as DVDs and CDsused to store data using laser etched media whereas a hard disc drive(HDD) can include rotating disc media used to magnetically store data.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of computer 100 with opening 112. Opening 112can be formed by CNC machining techniques and can have a size and shapesuitable for accommodating baffle 114 used to channel heated exhaust airfrom an interior of computer 100 initially drawn in from beneathcomputer 100 as part of an internal air cooling system. Moreparticularly, support structure in the form of foot 116 upon whichcomputer 100 can rest elevates computer 100 distance “d” from supportsurface S. Distance “d” can facilitate an intake airflow 118 that can bedrawn up into computer 100 by way of an internal fan by way of air ventslocated in frontal portion 119 of computer 100 to provide a coolingmechanism for internal components such as a main logic board, or MLB.Once inside of computer 100, the air can absorb heat and then be forcedout of computer 100 by the fan using baffle 114 as an exhaust port. Inthis way, the operating temperature of the internal components canremain within acceptable limits In addition to baffle 114, a number ofI/O ports 120 (HDMI, Monitor, USB, FireWire, LAN, etc.) can beaccommodated within opening 112 as well as AC power receptacle 122,power button 124, memory card slot 126.

At least a portion of housing 102 can be adapted to include an RF windowthat can be formed using radio (or RF) transparent materials. The radiotransparent material can include, for example, plastic, ceramic, and soon. In this way, RF energy used for at least wireless communication canpass between internal RF circuits (such as an RF antenna) and externalRF circuits in the form of RF receivers and or RF transmitters. Thewireless communications can be based on many different wirelessprotocols including for example Bluetooth, 802.11, FM, AM, and so on.Any number of antennas may be used, which can use a single window ormultiple windows depending on the needs of the system. For example, FIG.3 shows a view of bottom surface 128 of computer 100 where a circularportion of housing 102 has been removed to form opening 130 having asize and shape to accommodate foot 116. Foot 116 can be formed ofresilient material along the lines of silicone rubber or plastic havingslip resistant and radio transparent properties. In this way, foot 116can be used to support computer 100 on a surface without scratching orotherwise marring the appearance of the surface. Moreover, the radiotransparent nature of the material that goes to form foot 116 does notadversely affect that ability of an internal RF antenna from sending orreceiving radio transmissions.

Foot 116 can be adapted to be easily removed by a user without requiringspecial tools. For example, recesses 132 can be used to place a fingeror other object that can exert a rotational force F_(R) on foot 116.Rotational force F_(R) can be of sufficient magnitude to move foot 116in a circular, screw like motion. This screw like motion can cause foot116 to rotate upwards such that foot 116 can disengage from housing 102.In this way, foot 116 can be easily removed to expose nearby internalcomponents as shown in FIG. 4A. By removing foot 116, a number ofinternal components can be revealed. These internal components caninclude RF antenna 134, antenna plate 136, cowling 138, fan assembly140, (interchangeable) memory cards 142, and (a portion of) power supply144. Cowling 138 can be formed of metal along the lines of aluminum orstainless steel. Cowling 138 can be used to shield internal componentsfrom EM radiation from RF antenna 134 as well as from the externalenvironment. In combination with antenna plate 136, cowling 138 can formwhat is referred to as a Faraday shield between the internal componentsof computer 100 and the external environment preventing unwanted EMinterference. In addition to providing EM shielding, cowling 138 can addstructural support for housing 102 and when connected with fan assembly140, can be used to hold down and secure a drive connector associatedwith fan assembly 140. Air intake 118 can be seen ingressing housing 102at frontal portion 119 and egressing from baffle 114. In this way,relatively cool air can be drawn into housing 102 by fan assembly 140.The fan action provide by fan assembly 140 can cause coolant gas, in theform of air, to pass over a thermal transfer apparatus (shown in FIG.4B) to receive heat generated by various internal components, and beexhausted through baffle 114.

FIG. 4B shows computer 100 with both antenna plate 136 and cowling 138removed to expose other internal components in addition to thosedescribed with regards to FIG. 4A. More particularly, RF circuitry 135and heat transfer apparatus 137 in the form of heat pipes 137 and heatexchanger apparatus 139. It should be noted that heat transfer apparatus139 is described in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent applicationentitled “Cooling Arrangement For Small Form Factor Desktop Computer”filed Sep. 29, 2010 as U.S. application Ser. No. 12/894,050 which isincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In order to service computer 100 (i.e., swapping internal componentssuch as memory cards 142), foot 116 can be removed by, for example,applying downward pressure P_(D) onto foot 116. Downward pressure P_(D)can cause spring fasteners 146 to disengage. When spring fasteners 146are disengaged, foot 116 is free to rotate in response to theapplication of rotational force F_(R) by moving in a first circulardirection releasing foot 116 from spring fasteners 146. Alternatively,foot 116 can be secured to housing 102 by placing foot 116 in proximityto spring fasteners 146, applying downward pressure P_(D) andconcurrently applying rotational force −F_(R) (in the opposite directionto that of rotational force F_(R) used to remove foot 116) causing foot116 to rotate in second direction, opposite to that of the firstdirection. In this way, special tools such as a putty knife, screwdriver and so on are not required. In order to provide a good fit andfinish between housing 102 and foot 116, lip 147 is contoured using CNCmachining, for example, to match the contour of foot 116. In this way,the look and feel of housing 102/foot 116 is clean and appealing.

FIG. 4C shows bonnet type EMI shield plate 149 in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention. EMI shield plate 149 can be formedof radio opaque material such as metal along the lines of aluminum,stainless steel, etc. As can be seen, EMI shield plate 149 can be acontinuous plate of radio opaque material having central opening 151 foraccessing various internal components such as fan assembly 140, memorycards 142, and power supply 144. Opening 151 can be used to provideaccess to memory cards 142 as well as facilitate air intake for fanassembly 140. EMI shield plate 149 can also include air holes 153 thatallow passage of air flow 118 from the external environment. Air holes153 can be located in that portion of opening 130 exposed to air fromthe external environment. FIG. 4D shows a particular technique forattaching and detaching EMI shield plate 149 to/from housing 128 and aremovable optical disc drive (ODD). Accordingly, air holes 153 can alignwith and engage bosses 153 a integrally formed with housing 128 andfasteners 155 with bosses 155 a integrally formed with a housing of theODD. EMI shield plate 149 can also provide additional structural supportfor housing 102 by spanning opening 130. In this way, a load applied tohousing 102 can be transferred and distributed by way of EMI shieldplate 149 to other portions of housing 102. By not concentrating theapplied load at a particular region of housing 102, any potential damagesuch as buckling or bending resulting from the applied force can besubstantially reduced if not entirely eliminated.

FIG. 5 shows an interior view of an embodiment of foot 116 illustratingretainers 148 configured to co-operate with spring fasteners 146 tosecure foot 116 to housing 102. Retainers 148 are conformably shaped toaccommodate spring fasteners 146. Retainers 148 can be shaped to includeretention feature 150 and spring lock feature 152. Retention feature 150can have a size and shape that engages with head portion 154 of springfastener 146 and locked in place by the spring action provided by springlock feature 152 preventing any further movement of foot 116. In orderto unlock foot 116, downward pressure P_(D) can be applied to foot 116that compresses a spring attached to base portion 156 and head portion154 of spring fasteners 146 (shown in FIG. 4B detailed insert).Compression of the spring causes base portion 156 and head portion 154to move downward and away from foot 116 such that head 154 disengagesfrom retention feature 150 allowing foot 116 to rotate. When rotatedsuch that head portion 154 align with release portion 152, foot 116 isfree to be removed completely from housing 102 in a lifting motiondisengaging the locking features 150 of receptors 148 from springfasteners 146.

In order to provide as much EM protection as possible, EMI shield 158can be formed of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. EMI shield158 can align with that portion of foot 116 that does not align withantenna plate 136 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. Moreover, in thoseembodiments that rely upon EMI plate 149, EMI shield 158 can provide EMIshielding for opening 151 shown in FIG. 4C. In this way, any componentsthat would otherwise be exposed are afforded EMI protection from EMIemanating from the external environment as well as reducing potentialEMI effects caused by EM leakage of computer 100. In order to assure agood fit and seal, EMI gasket 159 can be associated with a perimeter ofEMI shield 158. EMI gasket 159 can mate with a corresponding portion oflip 147 providing an effective air seal. In this way, there is noobstruction to intake air flow 118 in that portion of foot 116 that doesnot include EMI shield 158. It should be noted that air holes 153correspond to that portion of foot 116 that does not include EMI shield158. In this way, air intake flow 118 can be well defined since any airflow leakage into or out of computer 100 is effectively prevented by thepresence of the air seal created by EMI gasket 159. Therefore, portion160 of foot 116 can be used as an air intake area suitably sized forintake of airflow 118 used to assist in the cooling of internalcomponents of computer 100. Raised portions 162 can be coincide withrecesses 132 in order to add additional depth for easier gripping offoot 116.

It should be noted that in additional embodiments, air intake openings153 can be incorporated into a separate structure that can take the formof an air intake ring. The air intake ring can be sized to fit withopening 130. In this case, using an air intake ring can require the useof surface attachment features integrally formed with lip 147 that canengage with corresponding attachment features present on the air intakering. For example, in one embodiment, the integrally formed attachmentfeatures can take the form of castellations having a size and shaped toaccommodate corresponding connection features (such as grooves) locatedat attachment points on the air intake ring.

FIGS. 6-13 show additional embodiments of foot 116 well suited for usewith computer 100. For example, FIGS. 6-7 show foot 600 configured to beused with an object having a slotted shape such as a coin, fingernail,etc. For example, foot 600 can include slot opener 602 having aclosed/locked orientation and an open/unlocked configuration. Using slotopener 602, the coin (as a representative object having theaforementioned slotted shape) can be used to change the orientation ofslot opener 602 by simply engaging the coin with corresponding slot 604shown in FIG. 7 and applying a rotational force. For example, in thelocked configuration shown in FIG. 7, a number of latches 606 can engagecorresponding latching features located on housing 102 to secure foot600. Moreover, in order to assure that there is no substantialobstruction of air intake flow 118, a number of air intake features 608can move be positioned relative to corresponding air intake holes 153.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the open/unlockedconfiguration, slot opener 602 can be associated with an openingmechanism such as gear 802 engaged with gear 804. When slot opener 602is positioned in the open/unlocked configuration, pin/slot mechanism 806attached to latches 606 by way of snap fastener 808 which can causelatches 606 to retract away from the corresponding latching features onhousing 102. Therefore, when, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, slot opener602 is rotated from the open/unlocked configuration to the closed/lockedconfiguration, gear 802 rotates commensurate with the rotation of slotopener 602. The gearing action of gear 802 at gear 804 causes pin/slotmechanism 806 to deploy latches 606 to engage the corresponding latchingfeatures on housing 102. In this way, foot 600 can be locked andunlocked with a simple twist of slot opener 602 using nothing morecomplicated that a coin or fingernail.

FIGS. 10-13 show yet another embodiment of foot 116 in the form of foot1000 in accordance with the described embodiments. Foot 1000 can includea number of latches 1002 as shown in FIG. 10 that when deployed cansecure foot 1000 to housing 102. By deployed, it is meant that latches1002 can extend out from foot 1000 in such as way as to engagecorresponding latching features on housing 102. FIG. 11 shows anexploded view of foot 1000 showing various internal components such asfoot cover 1102, base support guide 1104, pivot slot mechanism 1106integrally formed with latch 1102. In the described embodiment, pivotslot mechanism 1106 can include slot 1108 having a curvilinear shape.Slot 1108 can engage pin 1110 on base support guide 1104 such thatmoving rotating foot cover 1102, pin 1110 moves within slot 1108 causinglatch 1002 to deploy (i.e., move out from foot 1000) or retract (i.e.,move within foot 1000). Foot 1000 can also include top support cover1112. FIG. 12 shows foot 1000 in the unlocked configuration wherebylatches 1002 are placed in the open/retracted configuration. However, inorder to secure foot 1000 to housing 102, foot 1000 can be simplyrotated such that pivot mechanism 1202 causes latches 1002 to deploy byas shown in FIG. 13.

One of the advantages of housing 102 is the fact that several alignmentand attachment features can be formed into the interior surface ofhousing 102. These attachment and alignment features can be used fordirectly attaching a component to housing 102. In addition to providinga mechanism for directly attaching a component to housing 102, theattachment and alignment features can be used to reduce the overallassembly tolerance stack by providing anchor points that can be used toalign and orient various components during assembly. For example, FIG.14 shows a cut away view 1400 of a portion of housing 102 illustratingrepresentative anchor notch 1402 and alignment notch 1404 machineddirectly into housing 102. Anchor notch 1402 can be used to anchor acomponent (such as the ODD) directly to housing 102. Anchor notch 1402can also provide a good electrical contact to chassis ground sinceanchor notch 1402 is etched directly into housing 102. In addition,alignment notch (also referred to as a key cut) 1404 can provide a goodalignment feature for components that must interface with an exterior ofhousing 102. For example, AC power receptacle 122 as part of the powersupply must closely align with opening 112. By providing alignmentfeature 1404, the power supply can be fixed directly to housing 102 insuch a way that the tolerance stack between the power supply/AC powerreceptacle 122/opening 112 can be greatly reduced.

By machining anchor notch 1402 directly into housing 102, anchor notch1402 can then be used to attach an operational component, such as theODD, directly to housing 102. Since the ODD is directly aligned withhousing 102, the ODD itself can become an alignment and attachmentfeature for subsequently added components, such as the power supply, theHDD, the fan assembly, and so on. For example, once the ODD is attachedto housing 102 using anchor notch 1402, the HDD can be installed byinserting the HDD into and through opening 112 (or opening 128 for thatmatter) using the ODD as an alignment feature. Moreover, once the HDD isinstalled, the power supply having a shape that can conform to bothhousing 102 and the ODD can be inserted directly into opening 112. Sincethe power supply has a shape that cooperates with that of the ODD andhousing 102, the power supply can be “guided” into place using thepreviously installed components. Once properly in place, the powersupply can be anchored to housing 102 using alignment notch 1404,housing 102 and the ODD.

In this way, the internal components can be sized and shaped tointerlock with other already installed components in much the same wayas the pieces of a puzzle are shaped to interlock with each other in aparticular way to form a picture. Using the analogy of the puzzle, theinternal components of computer 100 can have cooperating sizes andshapes in order to fit together presenting a high density configuration.The internal components of computer 100 can be assembled into arelatively small space using a well defined and orderly assembly processin which specific components are installed in a particular order in aspecific orientation with regards to already installed components.

Accordingly, the various internal components are formed in such a way toinclude various interlocking features that can be used to greatlysimplify the assembly process which can be analogized to assembling aship in a bottle in that assembly can be carried out by insertingcomponents in a particular order with a specific orientation in relationto other already installed components. Once inserted, the internalcomponent is aligned with and at least partially secured by previouslyinserted components. For example, each internal component fits andaligns with other internal components. The interlocking features canalso greatly reduce the number of fasteners that must be used to securethe internal components to housing 102.

FIG. 15 shows representative interior view 1500 of cavity (also referredto as lumen) 1502 of housing 102 used to enclose various internalcomponents of computer 100. During assembly of computer 100, variousinternal components can be inserted into lumen 1502 using either opening112 or opening 130. Opening 112 can be sized to accommodate many of thelarger sized internal components such as an optical disc drive (ODD), amain logic board, or MLB, and a power supply. Generally, opening 112 issized such that the larger sized components can be inserted directlyinto lumen 1502 for direct mounting to housing 102 without any unduetwisting and turning. For example, the ODD can be inserted directlythrough opening 112 in the same orientation required for attachment tohousing 102. In this way, the assembly operator can easily and quicklyinsert and attach the ODD to housing 102. As with the ODD, othercomponents such as the MLB and power supply can also be inserteddirectly into opening 112 without changing their orientation withreference to housing 102 for installation.

A number of alignment and locking features machined into or attached tothe structure of housing 102 can be used to align and fasten variousinternal components during assembly. For example, bezel 1504 can be usedto mount and align internal components such as a hard disk drive and/oroptical disk drive as well as a power supply. Bezel 1504 can be attachedto an inside wall of housing 102 in proximity to slot opening 110. Bezel1504 can be formed of resilient and shock absorbing material. In thisway, any vibrations caused by one component attached to bezel 1504 (suchas the ODD) can be sufficiently damped so as to not significantly affectother vibration sensitive components (such as the HDD) also attached tobezel 1504.

In order to shield internal components from externally generatedelectromagnetic fields, especially in those embodiments where a logoformed of radio transparent material such as plastic is formed on topsurface 104 of housing 102, metal logo shield 1506 can be provided.Metal logo shield 1506 can be attached to interior surface 1508 ofhousing 102 using any of a number of adhesive materials such as glue.Once applied, metal logo shield 1506 can prevent electromagnetic energyfrom penetrating into (or out of) lumen 1502. Metal logo shield 1506 canbe formed of a thin sheet of metal such as aluminum.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 16, bezel 1504 can include severalattachment and alignment features used for installing at least theoptical disc drive (ODD) and the removable hard disc drive (HDD). Forexample, grommets 1510 can be elastomeric in nature and can be sized andlocated to accommodate correspondingly sized and spaced posts on theHDD. Since the HDD is not permanently attached to bezel 1504 usingfasteners such as screws or rivets, the HDD can be easily installed andjust as easily removed if necessary by merely reaching into lumen 1502,grasping and extracting the HDD. Accordingly, the HDD can be consideredto be a removable HDD.

Grommets 1510 can be formed of the same or similar resilient and shockdampening material as bezel 1504. In this way, the HDD can be removablymounted to housing 102 and at the same time be isolated from vibrationsgenerated by the ODD. The HDD effectively floats with respect to the ODDand is therefore isolated from significant vibrations generated by therapid rotation of the optical disc. The HDD can be supported by thesupport pins located on a front portion of the HDD. The pins along withgrommets 1510 can be used to dampen vibrations as well as to helpisolate the HDD from shocks caused by sharp motions such as thatexperienced in a drop event, for example. Damping is importantconsideration since vibrations can disrupt the heads used to read andwrite data to and from the HDD. Therefore, by using grommets 1510, thereis no surface contact between the HDD and the optical disk drive, orODD.

FIG. 17 shows lumen 1502 with mounting bracket 1702 used for mountingcomponents directly to housing 102 in accordance with the describedembodiments. Mounting bracket 1702 can include metal boss 1704 andalignment holes 1705 used for a MLB extraction tool described below.Metal boss 1704 can have a size and shape in accordance with anchornotch 1402 etched into housing 102. Metal boss 1704 can be used tosecurely attach an internal component (such as the ODD) directly tohousing 102. In this way, those internal components mounted and securedto mounting brackets 1702 can be directly aligned to housing 102 byanchors 1402. Metal boss 1704 can include at least threaded insert 1706.Threaded insert 1706 can be used to secure an internal component tometal boss 1704 by way of a fastener such as a machine screw. In thisway the internal component can be directly attached to housing 102 andused to align and mount subsequently assembled internal components.

As shown in FIG. 18, mounting bracket 1702 can be aligned with andattached to housing 102 using metal boss 1704. In the describedembodiment, metal boss 1704 can be aligned directly to anchor notch 1402using metal insert 1802 that snugly fits within anchor notch 1402. Inorder to provide a conductive path between internal components fastenedto mounting bracket 1702 and housing 102, metal insert 1802 and threadedportion 1706 can be formed as a single piece of metal. However, in orderto assure that there is a good electrical contact between threadedportion 1706 and housing 102, metal insert 1802 can be attached toconductive tape 1804 using a conductive adhesive. In this way, metalboss 1704 can be considered to be electrically grounded since it isconnected by way of conductive tape 1804 to housing 102. Conductive tape1804 can take the form of metal tape such as aluminum that can beelectrically connected to metal insert 1802. For example, metal tape1804 can be wrapped around metal insert 1802, inserted through anopening formed in metal tape 1804, and so on and then attached directlyto housing 102 to form a conductive path from housing 102 (as chassisground) and threaded portion 1706 of metal boss 1704.

As shown in FIG. 19, in those embodiments where housing 102 is formed ofanodized aluminum, portion 1902 of the interior surface of housing 102can be ablated to remove the surface layer created by the anodizingprocess. For example, portion 1902 (in the approximate shape of mountingbracket 1402) of the interior surface of housing 102 can be laserablated to expose the base layer of aluminum that constitutes housing102. A good electrical conduction path can be established between metalthreaded portion 1706 and housing 102 by way of metal tape 1804, butalso by way of mounting bracket 1702. In this way, good electricalcontact can be established between housing 102 and any electricalcomponent that uses mounting bracket 1702. It should be noted thatvarious portions of housing 102 in particular locations associated withground tabs (also referred to as EMI fingers) can also be laser ablatedin order to assure good electrical path to ground.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment where optical disc drive (ODD) 2000 can bealigned with and attached to housing 102 using bezel 1504 to align withODD slot 110. Moreover, ODD 2000 can be attached to housing 102 by wayof mounting brackets 1702. In this way, ODD 2000 can be directly alignedwith and electrically grounded to housing 102. For example, ODD 2000 caninclude openings 2002 sized to accommodate a stacked coupler describedbelow. The stacked coupler can have a threaded portion that can be sizedto fit within opening 2002 and engage with threaded opening 1706. Thestacked coupler can then be rotated until ODD 2000 is securely fastenedto housing 102. In this way, not only can ODD 2000 be securely fastenedto housing 102, ODD 2000 is directly aligned with a known alignmentpoint (i.e., anchor notches 1402) and electrically grounded to housing102.

Once placed in position and securely fastened to housing 102 and bezel1504, ODD 2000 can be used to align and mount subsequent internalcomponents such as hard disc drive (HDD) 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.HDD 2100 can be attached to bezel 1504 by way of mounting pins insertedinto grommets 1510 and supported by frame 2102. HDD 2100 can be securedto housing 102 by way of bezel 1504 without making direct surfacecontact with ODD 2000. In this way, any vibrations generated by anoptical disc in ODD 2000 can be damped preventing vibrations from ODD2000 from disrupting the operation of HDD 2100.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show AC power supply 2300 in accordance with thedescribed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 23, AC power supply 2300 can beshaped for easy installation. For example, AC power supply 2300 can beinserted “head” portion 2302 first into opening 112. (It should be notedthat in actual assembly, ODD 2000 can be installed and attached prior toAC power supply 2300, however, in the example shown, ODD 2000 is leftout for sake of clarity only.) Head portion 2302 can be pushed in untilit engages with bezel 1504. Head portion 2302 can be shaped to matchthat of housing 102. In this way, AC power supply 2300 can be tightlypacked within housing 102. Once head portion 2302 is firmly inserted,body portion 2304 of AC power supply 2300 can be aligned to an interioralignment feature (such as alignment feature 2306) that can be used toalign AC power supply 2300 to housing 102.

Since AC power inlet 122 must retain a specific axis with regards tohousing 102, and in particular opening 112, AC power inlet 122 can beconfigured to include rotational bayonet 2310 that can be rotated intokey way cut 1404. In this way AC inlet 122 can rotate into and besupported both above and below AC inlet 122 by keyway cut 1404.Moreover, by rotating bayonet 2310 into key way cut 1404, AC inlet 122can be locked in place. In some embodiments, a locking pin (not shown)can be used to further assure that AC inlet 122 remains locked in place.

FIG. 25 shows a technique for inserting main logic board (MLB) 2400 inaccordance with the described embodiments. As discussed above, theassembly of computer 100 can be likened to assembling a puzzle or a shipin a bottle. Accordingly, MLB 2400 can be inserted into opening 112after both ODD 2000 and AC power supply 2300 have been assembled intohousing 102. MLB 2400 can be inserted into opening 112 until I/O wall2402 aligns with opening at which point MLB 2400 can be secured tohousing 102 using stacked connector 2600 shown in FIG. 26 that can alsobe used to anchor fan assembly 140 to MLB 2400. Stacked connector 2600can be formed of multiple parts each formed to accommodate a particularcomponent in a unified manner. For example, first portion 2602 canaccommodate metal boss 1706 and opening 2002 to secure ODD 2000 directlyto housing 102. Portion 2604 on the other hand can be sized toaccommodate connector 2606 used to secure MLB 2400 to housing 102 by wayof ODD 2000 and mounting bracket 1702. In this way, a single connectorcan be used to mount, secure, and align multiple components in a singleoperation.

FIG. 27 shows coaxial cable routing system 2700 in accordance with thedescribed embodiments. Cable routing system 2700 can include a pluralityof stand-offs 2702 each of which can be formed of resilient materialsuch as silicone rubber. Each of the plurality of stand-offs 2702 caninclude notch 2704 sized to accommodate co-axial cable. By placing eachof stand-off at a particular location on MLB 2400, consistent coaxialcable routing can be achieved. Moreover, by placing the coaxial cable innotch 2704, the coaxial cable can be removed from operational circuitspresent on MLB 2400 reducing any electromagnetic interaction betweencoaxial cable 2706 and the operational circuits. Furthermore, byspecifying the particular locations for the stand-offs, consistent cablerouting can be achieved by assembly operations in a time and costefficient manner. Accordingly, in one embodiment, cable routing system2700 can include at least a plurality of non-conductive carriers used tosupport and route the coaxial cable on the main logic board, thecarriers supporting the coaxial cable a distance removed from activeoperational circuits on the main logic board, the distance sufficient toreduce electromagnetic interference with the signal carried by thecoaxial cable, the carriers also providing a repeatable path for layingthe cable on the main logic board.

FIG. 28 shows surface mounted ground clip system 2800 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, surface mountedground clip system 2800 can include at least surface mounted carrier2802 mounted to and electrically coupled to a printed circuit boardground of MLB 2400. Surface mounted carrier 2802 can physically supportcoaxial cable 2804 in a region of MLB 2400 having at least one active RFcircuit. In the described embodiment, surface mounted carrier 2802includes metallic ferrule 2806 that electrically connects a groundsheath of coaxial cable 2804 directly to the printed circuit boardground of MLB 2400. In this way, surface mounted carrier 2802 provides adistributed ground plane to coaxial cable 2804 in the region of MLB 2400having the at least one active RF circuit.

FIGS. 29A-29B show a circuit board extraction tool removing a maincircuit board in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Themain circuit board extraction tool can assist a user in removing a mainlogic board from a small form factor desktop computer housing byengaging the main logic board with a main logic board extraction tool.In the described embodiment, the main logic board extraction tool can beformed of a single open loop of metal having open ends. The circuitboard can be removed by inserting each of the open ends within acorresponding opening in the main logic board separated by a distance inaccordance with the spacing between the open ends of the extraction tooluntil the open ends of the extraction tool inserted into thecorresponding openings in the main logic board to securely engage withcorresponding openings 1705 on housing 102 and generating a centrallylocated extraction force by exerting a lateral force in a direction ofextraction to impel the main logic board to disengage an attachmentfeature coupling the main logic board to the housing thereby enabling auser to remove the main logic board without adversely affecting the mainlogic board or surrounding circuits.

FIG. 30 shows a flowchart detailing process 3000 for assembly of acomputer in accordance with the described embodiments. Process 3000 canbegin at 3010 by receiving a housing formed of metal. In this way themetal housing can provide a chassis ground for the computer. Next at3020, a first operational component is inserted into an opening in thehousing; the first operational component can be sized in accordance withthe opening such that the orientation of the first operational componentremains unchanged in relation to the housing. Next at 3030, the firstcomponent is attached directly to an interior surface of the housingusing an attachment feature. The attachment feature is directly formedin the housing. In this way, the attachment feature can provide a directalignment to the housing. Accordingly, the first installed component canbe used as an alignment feature for subsequently installed internalcomponents. Next at 3040, an electrically conductive path to the chassisground is provided to the first installed internal component. Theconductive path can be provided by securing the first installed internalcomponent to a mounting bracket electrically coupled to the housing.Next at 3050, a second component is inserted into the housing throughthe opening. The second component can use the first installed componentsas a guide for proper placement within and in relation to the housing.At 3060, the second component is attached to an attachment fixture that,in turn, is coupled to the housing. At 3070, the second component isattached to the housing by way of the first installed internalcomponent. In this way, each installed component can act to align andsecure subsequently installed components.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart detailing process 3100 for extracting a circuitboard from a small form factor computer in accordance with the describedembodiments. Process 3100 can be carried out by engaging the circuitboard with an extraction tool at 3110. In the described embodiment, theextraction tool can be formed of a single loop of material, such asmetal, having open ends. At 3120, each of the open ends is inserted intocorresponding openings in the circuit board. The openings are alignedwith corresponding extraction features located on an interior surface ofa housing used to embody the small form factor computer. At 3130, theopen ends are inserted until the open ends engage with the correspondingextraction features on the interior surface of the housing. At 3140,once engaged with the extraction feature, a lateral force is applied inthe direction of the extraction and at 3150; the circuit board isdisengaged from an attachment feature used to secure the circuit boardin the small form factor computer.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of an illustrative computing device 3200 inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. Computing device 3200can include control circuitry 3202, storage 3204, memory 3206,input/output (“I/O”) circuitry 3208, and communications circuitry 3210.In some embodiments, one or more of the components of computing device3200 can be combined or omitted (e.g., storage 3204 and memory 3206 maybe combined). In some embodiments, computing device 3200 can includeother components not combined or included in those shown in FIG. 32(e.g., motion detection components, a power supply such as a battery orkinetics, a display, bus, a positioning system, a camera, an inputmechanism, etc.), or several instances of the components shown in FIG.32.

Control circuitry 3202 can include any processing circuitry or processoroperative to control the operations and performance of computing device3200. For example, control circuitry 3202 can be used to run operatingsystem applications, firmware applications, media playback applications,media editing applications, or any other application. In someembodiments, control circuitry 3202 can drive a display and processinputs received from a user interface coupled to computer 3200.

Storage 3204 can include, for example, one or more storage mediumsincluding a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanentmemory such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or anycombination thereof. Storage 3204 can store, for example, media data(e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for implementingfunctions on computing device 3200), firmware, user preferenceinformation data (e.g., media playback preferences), authenticationinformation (e.g., libraries of data associated with authorized users),lifestyle information data (e.g., food preferences), exerciseinformation data (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoringequipment), transaction information data (e.g., information such ascredit card information), wireless connection information data (e.g.,information that can enable computing device 3200 to establish awireless connection), subscription information data (e.g., informationthat keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a usersubscribes to), contact information data (e.g., telephone numbers andemail addresses), calendar information data, and any other suitable dataor any combination thereof.

Memory 3206 can include cache memory, semi-permanent memory such as RAM,and/or one or more different types of memory used for temporarilystoring data. In some embodiments, memory 3206 can also be used forstoring data used to operate electronic device applications, or anyother type of data that can be stored in storage 3204. In someembodiments, memory 3206 and storage 3204 can be combined as a singlestorage medium. I/O circuitry 3208 can be operative to convert (andencode/decode, if necessary) analog signals and other signals intodigital data. In some embodiments, I/O circuitry 3208 can also convertdigital data into any other type of signal, and vice-versa. The digitaldata can be provided to and received from control circuitry 3202,storage 3204, memory 3206, or any other component of computing device3200. Although I/O circuitry 3208 is illustrated in FIG. 32 as a singlecomponent of computing device 3200, several instances of I/O circuitry3208 can be included in computing device 3200.

In some embodiments, computing device 3200 can include specializedoutput circuitry associated with output devices such as, for example,one or more audio outputs. The audio output can include one or morespeakers (e.g., mono or stereo speakers) built into computing device3200, or an audio component that is remotely coupled to computing device3200 (e.g., a headset, headphones or ear buds that can be coupled tocommunications device with a wire or wirelessly).

The display circuitry also can include display driver circuitry,circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. The display circuitrycan be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information,application screens for applications implemented on the electronicdevice, information regarding ongoing communications operations,information regarding incoming communications requests, or deviceoperation screens) under the direction of control circuitry 3202.Alternatively, the display circuitry can be operative to provideinstructions to a remote display.

Communications circuitry 3210 can include any suitable communicationscircuitry operative to connect to a communications network and totransmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from computing device 3200to other devices within the communications network. Communicationscircuitry 3210 can be operative to interface with the communicationsnetwork using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example,Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth radio frequency systems(e.g., 900 MHz, 1.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared,GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quad band, and other cellular protocols, VOIP,or any other suitable protocol.

In some embodiments, communications circuitry 3210 can be operative tocreate a communications network using any suitable communicationsprotocol. For example, communications circuitry 3210 can create ashort-range communications network using a short-range communicationsprotocol to connect to other devices. For example, communicationscircuitry 3210 can be operative to create a local communications networkusing the Bluetooth protocol to couple computing device 3200 with aBluetooth headset.

Computing device 3200 can include one more instances of communicationscircuitry 3210 for simultaneously performing several communicationsoperations using different communications networks, although only one isshown in FIG. 32 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. For example,computing device 3200 can include a first instance of communicationscircuitry 3210 for communicating over a cellular network, and a secondinstance of communications circuitry 3210 for communicating over Wi-Fior using Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the same instance ofcommunications circuitry 3210 can be operative to provide forcommunications over several communications networks.

In some embodiments, computing device 3200 can be coupled to a hostdevice for data transfers, synching the communications device, softwareor firmware updates, providing performance information to a remotesource (e.g., providing riding characteristics to a remove server) orperforming any other suitable operation that can require computingdevice 3200 to be coupled to a host device. Several electronic devices3200 can be coupled to a single host device using the host device as aserver. Alternatively or additionally, computing device 3200 can becoupled to several host devices (e.g., for each of the plurality of thehost devices to serve as a backup for data stored in computing device3200).

In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided thatincludes computer program instructions for performing the various stepsof assembly described in FIG. 32. Specifically, the computer programinstruction may act to control various automatic installationcomponents, such as, for example, robotic arms, automatic screwdrivers,etc. That can assembly the device without the need for humanintervention (or, at least, minimizing human intervention). In this way,the computer instructions may be programmed to control a machine toinsert various components into the housing without substantial humanintervention. The computer instructions can also be programmed tocontrol a machine to perform laser etching and laser routing in additionto any other process required for the assembly and testing of the mediaplayer.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations oras computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controllinga manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storagedevice that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computersystem. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-onlymemory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and opticaldata storage devices. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specificdetails are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, theforegoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present inventionare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatmany modifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

While the embodiments have been described in terms of several particularembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of these general concepts. It should also be notedthat there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present embodiments. For example, although anextrusion process is preferred method of manufacturing the integraltube, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that othermanufacturing methods can be used (e.g., injection molding). It istherefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted asincluding all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A small form factor desktop computer, comprising:a single piece metal housing comprising: a bottom opening arranged toprovide access to internal operational components, a rear openingarranged to accommodate a plurality of I/O interfaces, and a frontsurface having a slot opening suitable for receiving an optical disksuch as a DVD, the single piece housing further comprising an integraltop portion, side walls and a bottom portion that cooperate to form acavity in cooperation with the front opening, the bottom opening, andslot opening wherein the top portion has a substantially flat surfaceand curved edges to meet the side walls having rectilinear edgesarranged such that they form a flat side surface and wherein an interiorsurface of the top portion includes a plurality of etched ground pointssuitable for connecting electrical components to a chassis ground; and aremovable support rotatably attached to the single piece metal housing,the removable support disposed within the bottom opening that whenremoved provides access to at least some operational components enclosedwithin the single piece housing when the removable support is removedfrom the small form factor desktop computer, wherein the removablesupport is formed of RF transparent material for facilitating RFtransmission, the removable support further comprising a foot portionarranged to provide elevated support for the small form factor desktopcomputer, wherein the foot portion elevates the small form factordesktop computer a distance from a supporting surface sufficient toprovide an air path that permits an external air flow to enter at anopening in a bottom portion of the small form factor desktop computer tocool internal components.
 2. The small form factor desktop computer asrecited in claim 1, the removable support further comprising: anelectromagnetic interference (EMI) shield attached to and covering aportion of an interior surface of the removable support, the EMI shieldformed of RF opaque material that effectively blocks RF energy, whereinan uncovered portion of the interior surface of the removable supportforms an RF window, the RF window being the only portion of theremovable support that allows passage of RF energy.
 3. The small formfactor desktop computer as recited in claim 2 wherein the RF windowprovides an air passage for the external air flow to pass from anexternal environment to the interior of the small form factor desktopcomputer.
 4. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim3, further comprising: an insert having a size and shape in accordancewith the rear opening, the insert comprising: a baffle used to channelheated exhaust air from the interior of the small form factor desktopcomputer, the heated exhaust air resulting from the passage of theexternal air flow initially drawn in from beneath the small form factordesktop computer as part of an internal air cooling system used to coolat least some internal components, and a plurality of openings each ofwhich having a size and shape to accommodate an I/O interface, whereinthe I/O interface includes at least an HDMI interface, a power supplycord interface, and a power on/off interface.
 5. The small form factordesktop computer as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein thefoot portion comprises: a locking mechanism used to lock the removablesupport to the housing in a closed/locked orientation and to unlock theremovable support from the housing in an open/unlocked configuration. 6.The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim 5, whereinthe locking mechanism comprises: a plurality of latches having a sizeand shape arranged to affirmatively engage corresponding latchingfeatures located on the housing; and a slot opener mechanically coupledwith the plurality of latches, the slot opener having a slot shapedreceiving portion, the slot opener.
 7. The small form factor desktopcomputer as recited in claim 6, wherein the slot opener causes thelocking mechanism to unlock the removable support by receiving anappropriately shaped engagement tool into the shot shaped receivingportion and receiving a rotational force in a first direction applied bythe engagement tool, the rotational force in the first direction causingthe plurality of latches to disengage from the corresponding latchingfeatures.
 8. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim7, wherein the slot opener causes the locking mechanism to lock theremovable support by receiving the appropriately shaped engagement toolinto the shot shaped receiving portion and receiving a rotational forcein a second direction opposite to the first direction applied by theengagement tool, the rotational force in the second direction causingthe plurality of latches to engage the corresponding latching features.9. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim 5, whereinthe locking mechanism comprises: a slot opener mechanically coupled agearing feature; a plurality of latches coupled to the slot opener byway of the gearing feature; and a pin/slot mechanism attached to theplurality of latches by way of a snap fastener, wherein in open/unlockedconfiguration, the plurality of latches retract away from correspondinglatching features on the housing when the slot opener is rotated in afirst direction and engage the corresponding latching features in aclosed/locked configuration when the slot opener is rotated in a seconddirection opposite to the first direction.
 10. The small form factordesktop computer as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing is formedfrom a single billet of aluminum.
 11. The small form factor desktopcomputer as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality offunctional sub-assemblies each arranged to provide a specificoperational function for the small form factor desktop computer, whereinthe plurality of functional sub-assemblies are each cooperatively sizedand shaped such that the plurality of functional sub-assemblies form acompact integrated component assembly within the single piece housing.12. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim 11,wherein the compact integrated component assembly is formed by insertinga first operational component into the rear opening in the single piecemetal housing and placed in proximity to a first attachment feature, thefirst attachment feature connected directly to the single piece housing.13. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim 12, thecompact integrated component assembly is further formed by inserting asecond component into the opening and using the first component to alignand secure the second component to the housing, wherein the firstcomponent and the second component are electrically connected to thechassis ground by way of the first attachment feature, wherein the firstand second components are cooperatively sized and shaped to form atleast part of the compact integrated component assembly within thehousing.
 14. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim13, wherein the first component is an optical disc drive.
 15. The smallform factor desktop computer as recited in claim 14, wherein the secondcomponent is a mass storage device, the mass storage device comprising:a mass storage device body, a mass storage data medium, the mass storagedata medium configured to store digital data, a mass storage devicecircuit, the mass storage device circuit configured to provide access tothe mass storage data medium, and a support pin, the support pinintegrally formed with the housing, wherein the support pin is used tosupport the mass storage device such that the mass storage device isvibrationally isolated from other devices in the small form factordesktop computer and provides for easy discretionary insertion andremoval of the mass storage device.
 16. The small form factor desktopcomputer as recited in claim 15, wherein the first attachment feature isa mounting bracket, the mounting bracket attached directly to the singlepiece metal housing.
 17. The small form factor desktop computer asrecited in claim 16, wherein a second attachment feature is a bezel, thebezel formed of resilient and vibration absorbing material, the bezelincluding at least a grommet sized in accordance with the mass storagedevice mounting post.
 18. The small form factor desktop computer asrecited in claim 15, wherein the mass storage device is a removable harddisk drive (HDD).
 19. The small form factor desktop computer as recitedin claim 18, wherein the removable HDD is supported by a previouslyinstalled optical disc drive (ODD) such that the HDD is vibrationallyisolated from the ODD, the ODD mounted directly to the housing by way ofa mounting bracket that also electrically connects the ODD to chassisground.
 20. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim19, wherein the removable HDD is vibrationally isolated from vibrationsgenerated by the ODD during operation of the ODD by the resilient natureof the support structure and the grommets.
 21. The small form factordesktop computer as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a main logicboard having at least one co-axial cable, the coaxial cable forming asignal path between at least two operating circuits on the main logicboard, the main logic board further comprising: a plurality ofnon-conductive carriers used to support and route the coaxial cable onthe main logic board, the carriers supporting the coaxial cable adistance removed from active operational circuits on the main logicboard, the distance sufficient to reduce electromagnetic interferencewith the signal carried by the coaxial cable, the carriers alsoproviding a repeatable path for laying the cable on the main logicboard.
 22. The small form factor desktop computer as recited in claim21, wherein at least one of the plurality of non-conductive carrierscomprises a notch sized to support and enclose at least a portion of thecoaxial cable, the coaxial cable being at least partially inserted intothe notch.
 23. The small form factor desktop computer as recited inclaim 22, further comprising: a surface mounted carrier mounted to andelectrically coupled to a printed circuit board ground of the main logicboard, the surface mounted carrier physically supporting the coaxialcable in a region of the main logic board having at least one active RFcircuit coupled with the coaxial cable, the coaxial cable passing RFsignals between the at least one active RF circuit and the main logicboard, the surface mounted carrier having a metallic ferrule thatelectrically connects a ground sheath of the coaxial cable to theprinted circuit board ground.
 24. The small form factor desktop computeras recited in claim 23, wherein a plurality of the surface mountedcarriers attached to the ground sheath of the coaxial cable provides adistributed ground plane to the coaxial cable in the region of the mainlogic board having the at least one active RF circuit.
 25. The smallform factor desktop computer as recited in claim 24, wherein the ferruleis copper.
 26. The small form factor desktop computer as recited inclaim 25 wherein the metallic ferrule has a size and shape in accordancewith the coaxial cable and electrically connects the coaxial cable to aground plane in a region of the main logic board having the at least oneactive RF circuit by the metallic ferrule making electrical contact witha ground sheath of the coaxial cable such that the coaxial cable isgrounded directly to the ground plane.
 27. The small form factor desktopcomputer as recited in claim 21 wherein the main logic board is removedfrom the small form factor desktop computer housing by engaging the mainlogic board with an main logic board extraction tool, the main logicboard extraction tool formed of a single open loop of metal having openends, inserting each of the open ends within a corresponding opening inthe main logic board separated by a distance in accordance with thespacing between the open ends of the extraction tool until the open endsof the extraction tool inserted into the corresponding openings in themain logic board to securely engage with corresponding features on thehousing, and receiving a centrally located extraction force inaccordance with a lateral force in a direction of extraction to impelthe main logic board to disengage an attachment feature coupling themain logic board to the housing thereby enabling a user to remove themain logic board without adversely affecting the main logic board orsurrounding circuits.